Bosch Rexroth wins Hermes Award at Hannover Messe

05 May, 2013

Bosch Rexroth has won this year’s Hermes Award at Hannover Messe (8 to 12 April). Marking the changing face of industrial technology, this is the first time the internationally recognised accolade has gone to a software development.

The award was presented to Bosch Rexroth for its Open Core Engineering project, which brings together programmable logic controllers (PLC) and information technology for the first time in industrial applications.

Part of a wider move to take advantage of emerging technologies, throughout industry, Open Core Engineering allows greater flexibility and efficiency in the automation process, by enabling remote maintenance and operation through smart devices and apps; combining advanced industrial algorithms with everyday hand-held devices.

The Hermes Award was presented by Professor Johanna Wanka, Federal Minister of Education and Research, who praised Open Core Engineering in her laudation speech as “[An] outstanding example of industry 4.0”. She continued: “Bosch Rexroth prevailed against four other finalists and should feel confirmed in their response to the latest and probably most important industry topic of integrated industry.”

Commenting on the award committees’ decision, Dr. Jochen Köckler, member of the Managing Board at Deutsche Messe AG, said: “[This] award-winning solution makes a major contribution to integrated industry and will accelerate the trend towards networked industrial production.”

Paul Streatfield, automation specialist, at Bosch Rexroth said: “Our Open Core Engineering software is the result of months of intense research and development that has led to a wholly unique solution to remote access and operation of industrial machinery. This award recognises not only our achievements, but the wider move within the industrial sector to embrace and benefit from latest technologies.”